Benin City
Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and ex-governorship candidate in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, has recounted how he and Labour Party leader Peter Obi narrowly escaped what he described as a potentially deadly attack at a political gathering in Benin City.
The incident, which has heightened political tension in the state, occurred barely a day after some chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Obi, were reportedly attacked in Edo. The Edo State Government has since called on the police to investigate and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Akpata said both he and Obi received separate intelligence reports warning that the venue of their political event could soon come under attack.
“I was in harm’s way, there’s no doubt. I was alongside other people. We were in harm’s way yesterday in Benin,” Akpata said.
He credited security personnel at the venue for acting swiftly, adding that what “could have been a very dastardly event was averted.”
According to him, members of the Labour Party (LP) in Edo State had gathered at the party’s secretariat on Ogbelaka Street for a ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m., where they were to formally move into the ADC.
As the programme progressed, credible sources alerted organisers that unknown individuals were allegedly planning to storm the venue.
“We got information as the event proceeded from sources that are usually reliable that the venue would very soon come under attack,” Akpata said. “I received that information separately. Mr. Obi received that information… and we were advised to speed up the event.”
Akpata described the secretariat as a tight building located on a densely populated street, warning that even panic or a stampede could have resulted in serious casualties.
Faced with the threat, organisers reportedly wrapped up the ceremony abruptly and ushered key figures out of the premises.
“We told them that, listen, because of this development, come to Chief Oyegun’s house. We would address the press there,” he said, referring to a quick relocation decision taken “on the fly.”
He added: “We didn’t have time to do any press briefing. Anything could have happened.”
Shortly after they left, Akpata said they began receiving distress calls that armed men had allegedly stormed the secretariat and attacked people at the venue.
“We started getting calls that as soon as we left… some guys actually showed up and attacked the venue,” he said.
He disclosed that his cousin narrowly escaped being struck by a bullet during the incident.
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo condemned the attack and directed security agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly. The state government assured residents that those found culpable would be prosecuted.
As of press time, the police had not publicly released details of their findings.
The episode adds to growing concerns over political rivalry and security at party events in Edo State, particularly amid ongoing political realignments ahead of future elections.
Observers note that Edo has witnessed heightened partisan activity in recent months, with defections and alliances reshaping the political landscape. Analysts warn that inflammatory rhetoric and intra-party tensions, if not carefully managed, could fuel further instability.
For now, questions remain over who orchestrated the attack and whether additional preventive measures will be implemented to safeguard political gatherings in the state.
As investigations continue, the incident underscores the fragile intersection of politics and security — and the risks facing political actors during an increasingly charged period.